Meek Mill had a thrilling first day out. After being released from prison on bail, the Philadelphia rapper was a special guest at the 76ers’ home playoff game against the Miami Heat on Tuesday (Apr. 24).

It was a celebration from the start. Sporting a Joel Embiid jersey, Meek rang the team’s Liberty Bell in a ceremonial pre-game ritual. Following an ovation, Mill sat courtside beside 76ers co-owner Michael Rubin and comedian Kevin Hart. They watched the Sixers defeat the Heat to move onto the next round in an exciting 104-91 win.

“I was just excited that he got to witness this because he’s always represented the city, and he loved this city so much,” Embiid told ESPN. “When he was in jail, I went to visit him, and he wasn’t feeling good. You could tell he was trying to hold on. So to be here and to kind of provide this opportunity for him because he’s been following us, for him to come to this type of game, this was a close-out game and we got the win, I was just happy.”

Earlier in the day, Rubin picked Mill up from prison in a helicopter as a way to honor one of his wishes. “Meek told me every day we talked, ‘I just dream about the heli picking me up,'” said Rubin. “He said, ‘That’s what I want.’ So when they released him, we said the helicopter’s gonna pick you up.”

Meek thanked many of his supporters and advocates following his release. “I’d like to thank God, my family, my friends, my attorneys, my team at Roc Nation including JAY-Z, Desiree Perez, my good friend Michael Rubin, my fans, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, and all my public advocates for their love, support and encouragement during this difficult time,” he said.

“While the past five months have been a nightmare, the prayers, visits, calls, letters and rallies have helped me stay positive,” he added. “To the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office, I’m grateful for your commitment to justice — not only for my case but for others that have been wrongfully jailed due to police misconduct.”